Regal Beloit in Erwin to transfer some operations, affecting about 108 employees

News Channel 11 Staff - ERWIN, TN (WJHL) - A manufacturing company in Erwin has told its employees it's transferring operations out the region. This is another blow to an area that's been hit hard economically by the recent CSX railroad layoffs.

Regal Beloit Corporation informed Erwin employees of its decision to restructure some operations at the facility. Its motor production operations will move to other Regal facilities by the end of 2016.

The restructuring process will affect about 108 employees, according to a press release.

The company currently employs 250 people. The company builds refrigerator motors and is also involved in plastics/casings.

Regal Beloit sent the following statement to News Channel 11:

Consolidating this operation into existing Regal facilities will enable the company to remain globally competitive. The decision to restructure this facility is not a reflection on the efforts or performance of our employees. It is the company's intention to provide a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees affected by the production transfer. Regal's goal will be to help affected employees make a successful transition from their job to other employment opportunities.

Despite a previous warning, the First Judicial District Attorney's Office sent another domestic violence victim to jail recently for refusing to help prosecute her abuser. The decision occurred nearly two years after our investigation resulted in a call for prosecutors to stop jailing victims.